Tuesday, February 27, 2007

Coaches at the World Cup

There is a possibility that some coaches would have their duration completed after the World Cup - John Buchanan, Greg Chappell, Tom Moody.

What would be the motivation for someone like John Buchanan? Would he be motivated enough to perform? That might be the case. He has already won the World Cup. Most of his key players have announced their retirement in test cricket (Shane Warne, Glenn Mcgrath, Justin Langer, Damien Martyn), the Ashes have been restored back to the Aussies. What else is remaining? Nothing much. Typically, when a key person leaves an organization, there are several deliverables to be completed before his last day. Based on this, his/her final settlement is completed. I am not sure if the Aussies have mentioned any specific milestones to be achieved for Buchanan's final bonus payment, if any.

Greg Chappell might stay on, even after the World Cup. It depends on India's performance at the World Cup. Even if the team gets into the finals, it would be enough for the cricket-crazy nation. He has brought a major transformation to the team, with his "experimentation" - new players were inducted to the team, giving multiple options to the team management. The Indian team players have become accustomed to the changes in batting order, making them more versatile.

Tom Moody was widely tipped to join the Australian team, after his current stint with the Sri Lankans. Moody also has done a good job with the team - making them winners on foreign venues as well. The Sri Lankans have regrouped after the loss on the Indian soil (1-6) - they have gone from strength to strength. They can be considered as one of the favourites for this World Cup.

Bob Woolmer has also mentioned that he would like to step down from his current role with Pakistan. Looks like he has started to feel frustrated by the bureacracy of the Pakistan setup. Along with it, the doping incident, the frequent incidents with Shoaib Akhtar - all make his job the toughest at this point of time. With Razzaq out of the World Cup, it will make it almost impossible for them to make an impact.

Duncan Fletcher - What would he do? Will he have his captain play in all the matches? What will be the team that will play in the World Cup? Its as good as the British Lottery!!! One is not sure whether he will continue after the World Cup. His side anyway doesnt look like going too far in the tournament.

John Bracewell has also done a good job with the current Kiwis. They have managed to beat the Aussies 3-0 in a tri-series. He has managed to get in new blood like Taylor, Fulton - who have performed in key matches for their side. Semi-finals would be what he would be hoping for.

The main contribution of Bennett King for the West Indies side would be the return of Brian Lara to the ODI side. With such a legend as a captain, he has completed 50% of his job. The rest would be inspired by the exploits of the PRINCE.

Micky Arthur has also done a decent job at his role with the South Africans. His main accomplishment (with help of the Aussies) would be the No.1 ranking for the Proteas. If he can get his team win the Cup, it will be really a great achievement. But, it looks remote.